Wisk Aero, a leader in advanced air mobility (AAM), has partnered with Airservices Australia to explore how autonomous air taxis and other electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft can safely operate in Australia’s airspace.
This collaboration is part of Wisk’s larger goal of launching its four-seater, self-flying air taxi in Australia ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The partnership, solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), creates a framework for integrating autonomous air mobility into the country’s national airspace.
Wisk Aero’s eVTOL, launched in September 2022, is the world’s first self-flying, all-electric air taxi aimed at revolutionising urban transportation.
The MoU outlines a strategy to evaluate how uncrewed and remotely supervised aircraft can fit into the existing air traffic management systems through workshops, simulations, and trials.
Additionally, the partnership will use knowledge-sharing initiatives to foster collaboration.
Airservices Australia is also developing a Flight Information Management System (FIMS) to help manage the enhance the introduction of these advanced aircraft, including Wisk’s autonomous taxis, safely and efficiently.
Rob Sharp, interim CEO of Airservices Australia, said the partnership would help both organisations understand the industry’s needs while ensuring safety as advanced air mobility becomes a reality in Australia.
Southeast Queensland, known for its diverse landscapes, including urban, rural, and coastal environments, is seen as an ideal testing ground for autonomous air taxis.
Wisk Aero’s commitment to Australia as a key market has been highlighted by its numerous partnerships.
In 2022, it signed an MoU with the Council of Mayors in South East Queensland, Australia’s largest regional local government advocacy organisation.
Wisk is also working with Skyports Infrastructure to build a network for its air taxis ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. These collaborations and the establishment of Wisk Australia Pty Ltd show the company’s ambition to lead the market in this region.
Catherine MacGowan, Wisk’s Vice President of APAC and Air Operations, praised Australia’s legacy of aviation innovation and its ideal setting for testing such advanced technologies.
“Australia has a history of aviation innovation and a vision for the future that includes advanced air mobility,” MacGowan said.
“We’re grateful to share that vision with Airservices and to contribute to an air traffic system that meets the needs of AAM services so we can bring safe, efficient air travel to communities in this region.”
Wisk’s presence in Australia has been supported by Austrade, which played a pivotal role in connecting the company with key government bodies such as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Airservices Australia.
Austrade also facilitated Wisk’s market entry by providing consultative guidance, referrals, and invitations to key industry events.
